DEVOTION: "So to keep from becoming conceited, because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me, but He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Fo9r the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10As I think about my life as a pastor the things that I remember the most are my failures, and I've had plenty of them. I haven't been as caring as I should have. I certainly struggle with patience. I have broken the eighth commandment very publicly. I have hurt members. I have been lazy at times. I could go on and o n, but you don't want to hear any more of that, I'm sure. In a way, I am thankful for remembering these things. These remembrances keep me humble. They remind me that I am only a flawed, sinful struggling human being, and that all the good that comes from me is not my doing at all, but only God's doing. We aren't exactly sure what Paul's "thorn in the flesh" his "messenger from Satan" was. It could've been an actual physical problem. It could've been a temptation that he continually fell into. It could've been any number of things. I tend to imagine that it was more of a spiritual nature, a reminder of his past offenses. That messenger of Satan creeps up on all of us from time to time to keep us from becoming conceited. When we realize our faults and failures and even when we remember some from very long ago, it's ok. It isn't fun. It isn't comfortable. Yet, it is always a good reminder that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness and when we are weak then we are strong. Don't cover up your weaknesses and flaws. Don't try to hide them or hide from them. Instead, use them as part of your witness to Christ by whom and through whom all of that weakness, fault, and failure is forgiven! Boast in your weakness so that Christ may shine through you!Let us pray: Lord, thank you for humbling me when I need it and for shining through me. Amen. ________________________________________________________________________________________________LAST TIME'S QUIZ: Where would Babylon be located today? Today Babylon is in Iraq, 59 miles southwest of Bagdad

Due to some unfortunate circumstances, Thrivent is no longer financially supporting Lutherans for Life. This was a huge portion of their yearly income. Therefore they are in need of your help. They need the congregations and individuals within the congregations who support Lutherans for Life to give an extra offering to them to replace the funds that Thrivent has taken away.

Yesterday we had a door offering for this cause and many of you gave generously! Thank you! If you weren't here or were unable to give yesterday you can still give. Just go to www.LutheransforLife.org and click on the "Give" tab. You can also find all the information you need to know on their website.

WE NEED YOUR HELP WITH THE CARNIVAL ON SEPTEMBER 12 from 11am-7pm The carnival committee is in need of the following items for our carnival on Sept. 12!! 1. POP UP CANOPIES-- for stations and coolers. Make sure yours is marked clearly with your name so you get it back.

2. EMAIL ADDRESSES-- If we have your email address you will get an invitation to share with others and a coupon to use for free food. This email list will not be used for any other purpose.

#. VOLUNTEERS!!! It will take a small army to make this the huge success we want it to be!! Please sign up on the counter in the narthex or call the church office!

FLOAT TRIP! FLOAT TRIP!! FLOAT TRIP!!! FLOAT TRIP!!!! Do you enjoy the outdoors? Do you like to float down lazy rivers with friends? Do you enjoy rafts and coolers filled with all sorts of beverages and snacks? Then sign up and join us for the fourth annual Labor Day float trip!

DETAILS: 1. We will once again go through Ozark Outdoors. A. Canoe rental is $20 per person. A child can ride for free as the THIRD person in the canoe. B. Single person kayaks are available at $28 per person. C. Rafts are available at $29 per person. Children 7-12 yrs old can ride for $15 and children under 7 are free if raft minimums are met. D. Tubes are $25 per person E. Rides on the bus are $30 a person if you have your own equipment.

2. ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT IS IT IS A FLOAT AND NOT A RACE! Float a little, stop, have a snakcc and a drink, wait for the rest of the group and then move on.

3. What will you need? Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, cooler, drinks, lunch, and a positive attitude.

4. Contact Teresa Scott to sign up tscott@usmo.com , 359-5041, or Schraer Heating and Cooling at 456-5041. When signing up please provide your email address and BEST contact number.

5. If you choose to spend the weekend down there, please make camping, hotel, or cabin arrangements through Ozark Outdoors, www.ozarkoutdoors.net or with Onondaga State Park. Currently there are reservable basic sites available for the weekend at Onandaga. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________UNMARKED BLUE ENVELOPE CONTRIBUTIONS ARE GOING TO THE BUILDING EXPANSION PROGRAM If you'd like it to go to the DCE fund you need to mark it for that! Please make sure you mark the ENVELOPE clearly for the DCE PROGRAM!________________________________________________________________________________________DO YOU HAVE A KROGER CARD? ENROLL IT IN THE COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM!!!Register it online www.krogercommunityrewards.com and have it swiped each time you shop to earn money for Little Lambs.

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Mission Statement

The mission of St. John's Lutheran Church is to preach the Word of God in its purity and to teach this Word to all people. We do so through the means God has given us, the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion.

What We Believe

The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod accepts the Scriptures as the inspired and inerrant Word of God, and subscribes unconditionally to all the symbolical books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as a true and unadulterated statement and exposition of the Word of God.

We accept the Confessions because they are drawn from the Word of God and on that account regard their doctrinal content as a true and binding exposition of Holy Scripture and as authoritative for all pastors, congregations and other rostered church workers of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.